EP3789528A1 - Washing machine and feed-in container for a washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Induction bowl (10) for a washing machine (100), which has three chambers (50-1, 50-2, 50-3) which extend essentially next to one another along a longitudinal extension (L) of the induction bowl (10), a first Chamber (50-1) of the chambers (50-1, 50-2, 50-3) and a second chamber (50-2) of the chambers (50-1, 50-2, 50-3) from one another by a first partition are separated and the second chamber (50-2) and a third chamber (50-3) of the chambers (50-1, 50-2, 50-3) are separated from one another by a second partition (54), at one end a first valve (26-1) is arranged in the first chamber (50-1), a second valve (26-2) is arranged at one end of the second chamber (50-2) and at one end of the third chamber (50- 3) a third valve (26-3) is arranged, the valves (26-1, 26-2, 26-3) each being designed to interact with a respective connection on the washing machine (100), in the first chamber (50-1) a removable cartridge (32) is ordered and the first valve (26-1) is fixed to the cartridge (32). A washing machine (100) with such a induction bowl (10) is also disclosed.

Description

The present invention relates to a induction bowl for a washing machine and a washing machine with a induction bowl.

The induction bowl is an important component of a washing machine. On the one hand, it is desirable that the induction bowl can be filled with a powder detergent as well as with a liquid detergent. On the other hand, it should be possible to operate the washing machine in an automatic mode in which a refilling of detergent is only necessary at larger intervals. There is also a desire to make it as easy as possible for the user to add detergent for a single wash as well as detergent for multiple washes into the washing machine.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved induction bowl and a corresponding washing machine with such a induction bowl. It should In particular, it should be possible to fill in a powder detergent, fill in liquid detergent for the automatic mode and also selectively use a special liquid detergent.

The object is achieved by a induction bowl for a washing machine, which has three chambers which extend essentially next to one another along a longitudinal extent of the induction bowl, a first chamber of the chambers and a second chamber of the chambers being separated from one another by a first partition and the second Chamber and a third chamber of the chambers are separated from one another by a second partition wall, a first valve being arranged at one end of the first chamber, a second valve being arranged at one end of the second chamber and a third valve being arranged at one end of the third chamber , wherein the valves are each designed to interact with a respective connection on the washing machine, a removable cartridge being arranged in the first chamber and the first valve being fixed to the cartridge.

A special feature of this induction bowl is that the first chamber can contain a special detergent when the cartridge is inserted and a powder detergent when the cartridge is removed. This enables increased flexibility in the use of detergents without increasing the requirements for the required installation space. A chamber, preferably several chambers and particularly preferably all chambers, can extend from a front area of the induction bowl to a rear area of the induction bowl, i.e. in particular from a front of the induction bowl to a rear of the induction bowl.

In a preferred embodiment, a sensor is arranged below at least one chamber and a transmitter is arranged within this chamber, so that a fill level within this chamber can be determined by the interaction of the sensor and transmitter.

This refinement enables the filling level within a chamber to be reliably determined. In addition, several chambers or all chambers of the induction bowl can be equipped with such a combination of sensor and transmitter.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sensor is arranged in a recess on the underside of the induction bowl.

This configuration enables a particularly space-saving arrangement of the sensor, in which the sensor is also largely protected from possible damage.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sensor is designed as a reed sensor and / or the transmitter is designed as a float, the float in particular having a magnet.

This refinement enables the fill level to be determined in a technically simple manner, which can also be carried out very precisely. If the transmitter is designed as a float and has a magnet, the reed sensor can determine the level as a function of the strength of the detected magnetic field.

In a further preferred embodiment, a first sensor is arranged below the first chamber, a second sensor is arranged below the second chamber, a third sensor is arranged below the third chamber, a first transmitter is arranged within the first chamber, a second transmitter is arranged within the second chamber and arranged within the third, a third encoder.

This configuration enables the filling level to be measured easily in all three chambers.

In a further preferred embodiment, the transmitter and / or the first transmitter is arranged in the cartridge.

This configuration is cost-effective, since the sensor only has to be arranged once on the induction bowl, even when several cartridges are used, and only the transmitter, which is structurally very simple and inexpensive, is arranged inside the cartridge.

In a further preferred embodiment, the encoder and / or the first encoder is arranged on a guide pin which is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension.

This refinement is particularly cost-effective, since the guide pin on the one hand ensures reliable guidance of the transmitter or the first transmitter and on the other hand can be easily manufactured, in particular by injection molding.

In a further preferred embodiment, a constriction element is arranged inside the cartridge which brakes a flow of a fluid inside the cartridge along the longitudinal extent.

This configuration prevents or reduces sloshing of the fluid within the cartridge, that is to say for example a liquid detergent in the cartridge. Such sloshing can otherwise occur, for example, when the user pulls the induction bowl out of the washing machine.

In a further preferred embodiment, the narrowing element has a wall element which is arranged approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal extension and narrows the cross section of the cartridge perpendicular to the longitudinal extension for the fluid.

This configuration of the constriction element is technically simple to implement and effective.

In a further preferred embodiment, the narrowing element has two parts which protrude approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal extent from two opposing walls of the cartridge, are spaced from one another along the longitudinal extent and, in particular, overlap one another when looking along the longitudinal extent.

This configuration of the narrowing element is technically simple to implement and particularly effective. Despite an effective reduction or prevention of sloshing, it is ensured that the user can fill the cartridge as usual and that there is no backlog.

In a further preferred embodiment, the induction bowl has a sensor unit which checks the presence of the cartridge and the correct seating of the cartridge.

This configuration ensures that washing can be carried out with the cartridge without any problems.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sensor unit has a first sensor element that checks the presence of the cartridge, and a second sensor element that checks the correct seating of the cartridge, the first sensor element being spaced from the second sensor element along the longitudinal extension.

This refinement makes it possible to inform the user qualitatively about the recognized operating mode and / or a possible error. For this purpose, in particular the first sensor element is positioned further forward with respect to the longitudinal extension than the second sensor element. If the first sensor element does not detect the presence of the cartridge, an operating mode without a cartridge is activated, in particular an operating mode with powdered detergent. When the first sensor element detects the presence of the cartridge and the second sensor element detects the correct seating of the cartridge, an operating mode with a cartridge is activated, in particular an operating mode with a special detergent. If the first sensor element detects the presence of the cartridge, but the second sensor element does not detect the correct seating of the cartridge, the user is informed that the operating mode with cartridge is obviously desired, but the seating of the cartridge does not yet allow this. Optionally, if the first sensor element does not detect the presence of the cartridge, but the second sensor element detects that the cartridge is correctly seated, the user is informed of a problem with the sensor elements.

In a further preferred embodiment, a bottom of a chamber located on the edge of the induction bowl rises perpendicular to the longitudinal extension and reduces a height of this chamber to the edge.

This configuration makes it possible in an advantageous manner to make good use of the available installation space. In this embodiment, it is taken into account that the induction bowl can be higher on a first side, which is oriented towards the outside of the washing machine, than on a second side, which is oriented towards the inside of the washing machine, since the washing drum is located here. It is therefore not necessary to increase the overall height of the washing machine for an increased volume.

In a further preferred embodiment, a partition is arranged in a chamber into which no liquid in the chamber flows, which is open upwards and can accommodate a latching tongue arranged in an upper side of the induction bowl when this is pressed towards an underside of the induction bowl .

This configuration enables the integration of a latching tongue in a simple manner, which forms a stop when the induction bowl is pulled out of the washing machine. The locking tongue is arranged in such a way that it initially only releases the induction bowl to be pulled out to such an extent that a user can refill detergent. If the user presses the tongue down, the induction bowl is unlocked and can be pulled completely out of the washing machine. Due to the chamber arranged below the locking tongue, the locking tongue can be designed in a structurally simple manner, since a seal against the chamber takes place by means of the partition. The partition is preferably designed as a wall element which, in particular, is U-shaped when viewed from above.

In a further preferred embodiment, the first partition has a first course, a first transverse course and a further first course, the first course beginning in a front area of the induction bowl, extending essentially along the longitudinal extent and merging into the first transverse course, the first The transverse course extends at an angle to the longitudinal extent and merges into the further first course, and the further first course extends essentially along the longitudinal extent and ends in a rear region of the induction bowl.

This configuration makes it possible to set a volume of the first chamber and / or the second chamber in a simple manner. Furthermore, the first transverse course also serves as a protection against sloshing. The first course and / or the first transverse course and / or the further first course are in particular formed at least substantially in a straight line. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first transverse course is formed at least approximately perpendicular to the first course and / or to the further first course.

In a further preferred embodiment, the second partition has a second course, a second transverse course and a further second course, the first course beginning in a front area of the induction bowl, extending essentially along the longitudinal extent and merging into the second transverse course, the second The transverse course extends at an angle to the longitudinal extent and merges into the further second course, and the further second course extends essentially along the longitudinal extent.

This configuration makes it possible in a simple manner to simplify access to the second chamber for filling in a detergent if the second chamber is to be made smaller than the third chamber. For example, it may be desirable for the second chamber to have a volume which is less than 85%, preferably less than 75%, particularly preferably less than 65% and in particular less than 55% of a volume of the third chamber. The second chamber could then be narrow. Due to the widening created by the second transverse course, the second chamber can be filled well even with a small volume. Furthermore, the second transverse course also serves as a protection against sloshing. The second course and / or the second transverse course and / or the further second course are in particular formed at least substantially in a straight line. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the second transverse course is formed at least approximately perpendicular to the second course and / or to the further second course.

In a further preferred embodiment, the second partition has a further second course, a further second transverse course and yet another second course, the second course extending essentially along the longitudinal extent and merging into the further second transverse course, the further second transverse course extends at an angle to the longitudinal extent and merges into the further second course, and the further second course extends essentially along the longitudinal extent and ends in a rear region of the induction bowl.

This configuration makes it possible to arrange a third valve for the third chamber in a simple manner. This applies in particular when a bottom of the third chamber rises perpendicular to the longitudinal extension and thus reduces a height of this third chamber to the edge. Despite this increase, the third valve can then still be arranged at least approximately at the level of a second valve of the second chamber and / or a first valve of the first chamber. Furthermore, the further, second transverse course also serves as a protection against sloshing. The further second course and / or the further second transverse course and / or the further second course are in particular formed at least substantially in a straight line. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the further second transverse course is formed at least approximately perpendicular to the further second course and / or to the further second course.

In a further preferred embodiment, a water shower is arranged above the first chamber, which is designed to flush water into the first chamber.

This configuration makes it possible in a simple manner to mix a powdered detergent located in the first chamber with water and to rinse it out of the first chamber.

In a further preferred embodiment, the first chamber has an opening on the underside from which a liquid located in the chamber can exit downwards.

This configuration makes it possible in a simple manner to rinse a powdered detergent in the first chamber that has been mixed with water from the first chamber and to discharge it from the induction bowl, in particular in the direction of a washing drum of the washing machine.

In a further preferred embodiment, the cartridge has a screw cap.

This configuration enables the cartridge to be securely closed, but at the same time easy refilling of the cartridge is possible. Due to the screw cap, no special liquid detergent can be spilled when the user handles the cartridge.

In a further preferred embodiment, a second cartridge is arranged in the second chamber and the second valve is arranged in the second cartridge.

In a further preferred embodiment, a third cartridge is arranged in the third chamber and the third valve is arranged in the third cartridge.

The object is also achieved by a washing machine with a previously described induction bowl.

Such a washing machine is particularly easy for a user to operate and enables the washing machine to function reliably.

It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in others Combinations or can be used alone without departing from the scope of the present invention.

• Fig. 1 eine erste perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform eines Einspülbehälters;
• Fig. 2 eine zweite perspektivische Ansicht des Einspülbehälters aus Fig. 1;
• Fig. 3 eine dritte perspektivische Ansicht des Einspülbehälters aus Fig. 1;
• Fig. 4 eine vierte perspektivische Ansicht des Einspülbehälters aus Fig. 1;
• Fig. 5 eine fünfte perspektivische Ansicht des Einspülbehälters aus Fig. 1;
• Fig. 6 eine sechste perspektivische Ansicht des Einspülbehälters aus Fig. 1;
• Fig. 7 eine siebte perspektivische Ansicht des Einspülbehälters aus Fig. 1;
• Fig. 8 eine achte perspektivische Ansicht des Einspülbehälters aus Fig. 1; und
• Fig. 9 eine Ausführungsform einer Waschmaschine mit einem Einspülbehälter.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in more detail in the drawing and are explained in more detail in the description below. Show it:

• Fig. 1 a first perspective view of an embodiment of a induction bowl;
• Fig. 2 a second perspective view of the induction bowl Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 3 a third perspective view of the induction bowl Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 4 a fourth perspective view of the induction bowl Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 5 a fifth perspective view of the induction bowl Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 6 a sixth perspective view of the induction bowl Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 7 a seventh perspective view of the induction bowl Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 8 an eighth perspective view of the induction bowl Fig. 1 ; and
• Fig. 9 an embodiment of a washing machine with a induction bowl.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a induction bowl 10. The induction bowl 10 has a lid 12 and a lower part 14. The cover 12 has a plurality of elastic hooks 16 with which the cover 12 is locked on the lower part 14. For orientation purposes, a front side 17 of the induction bowl 10 and a longitudinal extension L of the induction bowl 10 are shown.

Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of the induction bowl 10 from Fig. 1 from a perspective view from below. An opening 20 can be seen on an underside 18 of the induction bowl 10. Furthermore, a first sensor 22-1, a second sensor 22-2 and a third sensor 22-3 are respectively arranged in a first recess 24-1, a second recess 24-2 and a third recess 24-3. Furthermore, a first valve 26-1, a second valve 26-2 and a third valve 26-3 can be seen through openings on a rear side 28 of the induction bowl 10. The first sensor 22-1, the second sensor 22-2 and the third sensor 22-3 are preferably designed as reed sensors.

Fig. 3 shows the embodiment of the induction bowl 10 from Fig. 1 from a perspective view in which the cover 12 has been removed. Now there are a water shower 30, a cartridge 32 with a screw cap 34, a sensor unit 38 with a first sensor element 36-1 and a second sensor element 36-2, and a chamber cover 40 with a cover flap 42 and a latching tongue 44 which has a latching hook 46 to recognize. The first sensor element 36-1 checks the presence of the cartridge 32, and the second sensor element 36-2 checks the correct seating of the cartridge 32, the first sensor element 36-1 being spaced from the second sensor element 36-2 along the longitudinal extension L.

Fig. 4 shows the embodiment of the induction bowl 10 from Fig. 1 from a perspective view, in which the water shower 30 has also been removed.

Fig. 5 shows the embodiment of the induction bowl 10 from Fig. 1 from a perspective view, in which the screw cap 34 and the cover flap 42 have also been removed. A first chamber 50-1, a second chamber 50-2 and a third chamber 50-3 can now be seen. The first chamber 50-1 and the second chamber 50-2 are separated from one another by a first partition wall 52-1, and the second chamber 50-2 and the third chamber 50-3 are separated from one another by a second partition wall 52-2. The cartridge 32 can be removed from the first chamber 50-1. The first valve 26 - 1, not shown here, is fixed on the cartridge 32, more precisely fixed within the cartridge 32. Fluid removal from the cartridge 32 and the chambers 50-2, 50-3 can be controlled by the valves.

In the second chamber 50-2, a second encoder 54-2 is arranged on a second guide pin 56-2. In the third chamber 50-3, a third encoder 54-3 is arranged on a third guide pin 56-3. The transmitters 54-2, 54-3 are each designed as a float with a magnet. It can be seen that a bottom 58 of the third chamber 50-3 rises perpendicular to the longitudinal extension L and a height of the third chamber 50-3 decreases towards the edge 60. Furthermore, a partition 62 is shown, into which no liquid located in the chamber 50-3 flows. The partition 62 is open at the top and can accommodate the latching tongue 44.

Fig. 6 shows the embodiment of the induction bowl 10 from Fig. 1 from a perspective view, in which a cover of the cartridge 32 and the sensor unit 38 have also been removed. The first valve 26-1 within the cartridge 32 can now be seen. Furthermore, two constriction elements 64 are shown within the cartridge 32, each of which has a first part 66-1 and a second part 66-2. Each part 66-1, 66-2 is designed here as a wall element which is arranged approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal extension L and narrows the cross section of the cartridge 32 perpendicular to the longitudinal extension L for a fluid located in the cartridge 32. The two parts 66-1, 66-2 are spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal direction L and overlap one another when looking along the longitudinal extent L. Finally, a first encoder 54-1 and a first guide pin 56-1 can also be seen within the cartridge 32 .

Fig. 7 shows the embodiment of the induction bowl 10 from Fig. 1 from a perspective view in which the cartridge 32, the second transmitter 54-2 and the third transmitter 54-3 have also been removed. The first valve 26-1 is still shown for better orientation, although it is part of the cartridge 32 in this embodiment. The course of the partition walls 52-1, 52-2 will now be discussed below.

The first partition wall 52-1 has a first course 70-1, a first transverse course 70-2 and a further first course 70-3, the first course 70-1 beginning in a front area 74 of the induction bowl 10, extending essentially along the Longitudinal extension L extends and merges into the first transverse course 70-2, the first transverse course 70-2 extends at an angle to the longitudinal extent L and merges into the further first course 70-3, and the further first course 70-3 essentially extends along it of the The longitudinal extension L extends and ends in a rear region 74 of the induction bowl 10.

The second partition wall 52-2 has a second course 72-1, a second transverse course 72-2 and a further second course 72-3, the second course 72-1 beginning in a front area 74 of the induction bowl 10, extending essentially along the Longitudinal extent L extends and merges into the second transverse course 72-2, the second transverse course 72-2 extends at an angle to the longitudinal extent L and merges into the further second course 72-3, and the further second course 72-3 essentially extends along it the longitudinal extension L extends.

In addition to the further second course 72-3, the second partition wall has a further second transverse course 72-4 and yet another second course 72-5, the further second course 72-3 merging into the further second transverse course 72-4, the further one The second transverse course 72-4 extends at an angle to the longitudinal extent L and merges into the further second course 72-5, and the further second course 72-5 extends essentially along the longitudinal extent L and in a rear area 76 of the induction bowl 10 ends.

Fig. 8 shows the embodiment of the induction bowl Fig. 1 from a perspective view in which all chambers 50-1, 50-2, 50-3 have also been removed.

Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of a washing machine 100 with a induction bowl 10, which here has a recessed grip on its front side. The washing machine 100 has a top side 102, a first side 104, here covered, a second side 106 and a front side 108.

Claims (15)

Induction bowl (10) for a washing machine (100), which has three chambers (50-1, 50-2, 50-3) which extend essentially next to one another along a longitudinal extension (L) of the induction bowl (10), a first Chamber (50-1) of the chambers (50-1, 50-2, 50-3) and a second chamber (50-2) of the chambers (50-1, 50-2, 50-3) from one another by a first partition are separated and the second chamber (50-2) and a third chamber (50-3) of the chambers (50-1, 50-2, 50-3) are separated from one another by a second partition (54), at one end a first valve (26-1) is arranged in the first chamber (50-1), a second valve (26-2) is arranged at one end of the second chamber (50-2) and at one end of the third chamber (50- 3) a third valve (26-3) is arranged, the valves (26-1, 26-2, 26-3) each being designed to interact with a respective connection on the washing machine (100), in the first chamber (50-1) a removable cartridge (32) is ordered and the first valve (26-1) is fixed to the cartridge (32). Dispenser (10) according to claim 1, wherein a sensor (22-1, 22-2, 22-3) is arranged below at least one chamber (50-1, 50-2, 50-3) and within this chamber (50- 1, 50-2, 50-3) a transmitter (54-1, 54-2, 54-3) is arranged, so that by a cooperation of sensor (22-1, 22-2, 22-3) and transmitter (54-1, 54-2, 54-3) a level within this chamber can be determined. Induction bowl (10) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor (22-1, 22-2, 22-3) is arranged in a recess on the underside of the induction bowl (10). Induction bowl (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the sensor (22-1, 22-2, 22-3) is designed as a reed sensor and / or the transmitter (54-1, 54-2, 54-3) is designed as a float, the float in particular having a magnet. Induction bowl (10) according to one of the preceding claims, a first sensor (22-1) being arranged below the first chamber (50-1) and a second sensor (22-2) being arranged below the second chamber (50-2) , below the third chamber (50-3) a third sensor (22-3) is arranged, inside the first chamber (50-1) a first transmitter (54-1) is arranged, inside the second chamber (50-2) a second transmitter (54-2) is arranged and a third transmitter (54-3) is arranged within the third chamber (50-3). Induction bowl (10) according to one of Claims 2 to 5, the transmitter (54-1, 54-2, 54-3) and / or the first transmitter (54-1) either being arranged in the cartridge (32) or on a guide pin (56-1; 56-2; 56-3) is arranged which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension (L). Dispenser container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a constriction element (64) is arranged within the cartridge (32) which brakes a flow of a fluid within the cartridge (32) along the longitudinal extension (L), and the constriction element (64) optionally has a wall element which is arranged approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal extension (L) and narrows the cross section of the cartridge (32) perpendicular to the longitudinal extension (L) for the fluid. Induction bowl (10) according to claim 7, wherein the narrowing element (64) has two parts (66-1, 66-2) which protrude approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal extension (L) from two opposite walls of the cartridge (32) along the longitudinal extension (L) are spaced apart from one another and in particular overlap one another when looking along the longitudinal extension (L). Induction bowl (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the induction bowl (10) has a sensor unit (38) which checks the presence of the cartridge (32) and the correct seating of the cartridge (32), and wherein the sensor unit (38) is optional has a first sensor element (36-1) which checks the presence of the cartridge (32), and optionally a second sensor element (36-2) which checks the correct seating of the cartridge (32), the first sensor element (36-1) being spaced from the second sensor element (36-2) along the longitudinal extension (L). Induction bowl (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a bottom (58) of a chamber (50-3) located on the edge of the induction bowl (10) rises perpendicular to the longitudinal extension (L) and a height of this chamber (50-3) rises to the edge decreased. Induction bowl (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first partition (52) has a first course (70-1), a first transverse course (70-2) and a further first course (70-3), the first course (70-1) begins in a front area of the induction bowl (10), extends essentially along the longitudinal extension (L) and merges into the first transverse course (70-2), the first transverse course (70-2) at an angle to the The longitudinal extension (L) extends and merges into the further first course (70-3), and the further first course (70-3) extends essentially along the longitudinal extension (L) and in a rear region (76) of the induction bowl (10) ends. Induction bowl (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second partition (54) has a second course (72-1), a second transverse course (72-2) and a further second course (72-3), the second course (72-1) begins in a front region (74) of the induction bowl (10), extends essentially along the longitudinal extension (L) and merges into the second transverse course (72-2), the second transverse course (72-2) merging into extends at an angle to the longitudinal extent (L) and merges into the further second course (72-3), and the further second course (72-3) extends essentially along the longitudinal extent (L). Induction bowl (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a water shower (30) is arranged above the first chamber (50-1) which is designed to flush water into the first chamber (50-1) and / or the first Chamber (50-1) has an opening (20) on the underside, from which a liquid in the chamber (50-1) can exit downwards. Induction bowl (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a second cartridge (32) is arranged in the second chamber (50-2) and the second valve (26-2) is arranged in the second cartridge (32), and optionally a third cartridge (32) is arranged in the third chamber (50-3) and the third valve (26-3) is arranged in the third cartridge (32). Washing machine (100) with a induction bowl (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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